We addressed this challenge by first reviewing the healthy isolation methodologies shared by both current and former astronauts as provided in testimonials and NASA documentation. By exploring a large pool of "isolation expert" behavioral suggestions, we took the most salient components and used them to form our methodology as described below.

The five-step process that we created includes the following steps:

1) Motion: Move your body: Stay-at-Home orders have taken us out of our everyday routines that usually allow us to get our steps in and stay active. As a result, it is vital to implement moving your body in any way that you can for your physical health during this time. We were inspired by NASA astronaut Scott Kelly who said that research has shown that spending time in nature is beneficial for our mental and physical health, as is exercise. We also thought that this would allow individuals to recognize that they are not completely confined in their space and that there are safe ways to leave your home and get some sunlight.

2) Passion: Find your passions - Astronaut Scott Kelly also recommended that people pick up hobbies like reading, playing instruments, and making art. This is where Step 2 of finding your passions came in. We believe that finding hobbies and activities to do can help individuals achieve their goals, stay occupied and focused, and as Astronaut Chris Hadfield said, “Start doing things!” Whether it is fun activities like playing the guitar or educational things like studying a new language, finding things you are passionate about is important for staying motivated everyday!
3) Connection: Connect with others - Astronaut Anne McClain’s Behavior Skills explained how important it is to practice team care and effectively living in groups. We want to promote individuals checking in on each other and connecting during this chaotic time. We provided ideas that go include having virtual conversations, but also go beyond this through playing online games together and sharing meaningful gifts like care packages and letters. As the article on the ‘Five Major Risks’ states, “the more confined and isolated humans are, the more likely they are to develop behavioral or cognitive conditions, and psychiatric disorders” so we want to promote as much connection as we can!

4) Relaxation: Relax your mind - When addressing the issue presented to us in this challenge and how we have coped in our own experience, we knew how much mental health was important to implement in our 5-step process. People are pressured to always be productive so we wanted to emphasize how important it is to take a break to unwind, relax, and reset. We provided a ton of ideas on ways you can relax beyond just taking a nap and binge-ing a show. Self-Care, being one of Anne McClain’s Behavior Skills was really emphasized in this part of the method.

5) Reflection: Reflect and focus - The most important step that we identified was self-reflection. This section was inspired by the Human Research Program and testimonials of all the astronauts involved. Sticking to routines, remembering your goals, tracking your sleep, managing your habits, journaling your experiences, and keeping record of your mood are all aspects that are vital in promoting your overall psychological well-being. Tracking these aspects allow you to promote your Circadian Rhythm and a sense of motivation through your days. This step was reflected in our “Mission Control” tab of the application and is the center of all activity in the app.

Through this 5-step guide, we believe that we addressed the challenge of providing both mental health and practical solutions for practicing social distancing. By following our guide, we hope that people can become happier and more motivated, making the most out of this difficult time. By having this all-encompassing guide, we are able to fit the needs of a large demographic of people! However, the personalized questions at the launch of the app that track the interests and circumstances of individuals will allow the app to provide ideas that are customized to each user. It is the best of both worlds. We believe that our method can readily offer insights and ideas for social distancing in space as it does for social distancing on Earth!